MISSING THE ACTION by: Kiko Ortelano

Transitions 2009.

A lot of people usually equates new years as new beginnings.

Pampanga, however, started its best beginning in decades in May 2007.

2009 is critical for the Philippines as it is the year before the next local and national elections. It is most critical in Pampanga because it will be the end of the first term of Among Ed Panlilio as governor. Why?...

The political (im)maturity of the Kapampangans will be tested. Will the election of Among Ed as governor be just an exception? Or will it signify the acceptance of clean politics by electing non-traditional politicians who will always put province first before self?

Will Among Ed run for governor of Pampanga again? Will he run for another office, perhaps on a national level? If he does not run for any position in 2010, what will be his role before, during, and after the 2010 elections?

What will happen to the numerous civil society groups that sprouted in Pampanga the past year? Will they be engaging their groups directly in the coming political exercise? If yes, how?

Unfortunately, a lot of these questions will only sire more questions; for now.

This makes the visions, missions, and goals (VMG) of the civil society organizations very important. The VMG provides the direction to the groups. If the VMG are personality based, the success rate will be very poor. However, issue based VMG will not guarantee continuing success for the groups. There will always be financial issues. There will always be people issues. And many more. . .

There is, however, one thing, that can overcome these numerous issues; THE HEART TO GO ON AT ALL COSTS.

With the wealth of intellects from among the Kapampangans, the advocacy for good governance and responsible citizenship will succeed if we put our hearts into it.

Pampanga will always be a fountain of heroism that will always flow when called upon. It is civil societies' responsibility that this heroism is perpetually cultivated for the good of the Kapampangan race.


NELSON MALIT

WE CONDEMN THE MURDER OF NELSON MALIT OF FLORIDABLANCA , PAMPANGA!

WE SALUTE NELSON'S HEROISM FOR THE PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA!

MAY THE SWORD OF JUSTICE CUTS THROUGH THOSE WHO COMMITTED THIS HEINUOUS CRIME ON NELSON, HIS FAMILY, AND THE PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA!

We pray for the soul of Nelson. We also pray for those whom Nelson left behind so that justice may be given them and their beloved Nelson. We also pray for those who are responsible for this crime.

LUID KA!